from $1,605* per person | 6 Days | March-October |
Boutique accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
Operator: Wilderness Voyageurs | 12 people max |
Conde Naste magazine included this unique trail system in its “most beautiful rail-trail list” and you’ll quickly see why. On your way from Pittsburgh, PA, to Washington, DC, the multitude of natural, cultural and historically significant sites will astound you.
The initial 125 miles of this tour are on the Great Allegheny Passage from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD, located on abandoned railroad beds. The final 184 miles from Cumberland, MD to downtown Washington, DC, are on the C&O Canal Towpath, which is the heart of the C&O Canal National Park. You will not believe the tranquility and the beauty of this park; located in the middle of the suburban east coast.
Talk about bucket list opportunities; your journey will visit, three states, PA, MD, WV and the District of Columbia, and pass through four national parks, C&O Canal, Antietam Battlefield, Harpers Ferry and Rock Creek Park.
Your 300+ miles of car-free rail trails begin just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. It won’t be long until the buildings are exchanged for a canopy of trees. We start at 761 feet in elevation, cross the Continental Divide at 2,932 feet and end at sea level. Along the way, we will ride past remnants of the early 1900s industrial revolution when Pittsburgh Steel was king. All of this happens with a maximum grade of 2% with only a very few exceptions.
While the grade is quite friendly, keep in mind that the daily mileage averages 50 miles a day. To maximize your enjoyment of the tour, riders will want to average 9 miles an hour.
Northeast, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, United States
"Hi Eric. We wanted to let you know about our experiences whilecycling from Pittsburgh to D.C. If someone had told us 6 months ago that we would be doing this, we would not have believed it. Although we both are physically active, neither of us had ridden bikes since we were much younger. But, our more experienced biker friend (Jay Rochlin) convinced us to start riding, and even provided one of us with a bike. So, after 3 months of training, we set off to Pittsburgh. This trip turned out to be the best vacation we have ever had. One of the major reasons that it was so great was Aaron. We couldn't have asked for a better guide, chef, driver, supporter. We all rate him "exceeds expectations" in all categories we could possibly consider! Not only was he extremely kind, knowledgeable about a multitude of things including bicycles, food, sights, interesting facts, etc, he was also always available when we needed him, and extended himself beyond expectations. And he always had some different snack or food for lunch every day to surprise us and keep us well-fed and energized. Our trip was so well organized and planned out, and yet we felt comfortable altering the schedule when we wanted or needed. The accommodations were wonderful- staying at a different B&B or Inn every night just added to the experience and every place was unique. We couldn't imagine doing the trip without the organization and support provided by all of you. In addition, the bikes we rented were not only new, but excellent for the terrain. It would have been much harder riding without the shocks! Of course, the other factor of the trip was the incredible scenery along the way. We don't even know how to describe how incredibly beautiful it all was. We especially loved the Great Allegheny Passage. To be able to ride for 300 miles on paths through amazingly beautiful country without cars was unbelievable and we can't imagine that any other place could be any better! We are all very proud of ourselves for completing the ride. We hope that Aaron enjoyed us as much as we enjoyed him. :)
Please pass on our comments to Aaron and everyone else who helped make our trip memorable. We will definitely recommend you to all of our friends. And, hopefully return for a rafting trip next time!
Thanks to all of you.
Ellen G & Eddie K
Day 1: Meet your guides in Boston, PA and take your first ride on the Great Allegheny Passage into Ohiopyle, PA and Wilderness Voyageurs headquarters.
Day 2: Wake up at the Trillium Lodge for home-cooked breakfast and a ride through three rail tunnels and over the Eastern Continental Divide.
Day 3: A 77-mile day from Frostburg to Hancock, MD along the Allegheny Front through Cumberland, MD and the beginning of the C&O Canal Towpath.
Day 4: Ride past scenic dams and over aqueducts, making a stop at historic Fort Frederick before coming into your lodging at the Bavarian Inn. Enjoy riding over the smooth, newly constructed towpath at Big Slackwater and an optional trip to Antietam National Battlefield.
Day 5: Follow the Potomac River down to historic Harper’s Ferry, and end your day with a ferry ride to its far shore.
Day 6: Pass the Great Falls of the Potomac into urban Georgetown, D.C. End your ride at the Thompson Boat House and Mile 0!
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